Insider 20Q: The Baby Face Killer… Rory Smith

October 22nd, 2010 by Paul Tutka

Rory Smith was an important defensive presence for the Titans in both New York and Orlando. (Photo: Larry Palumbo)

Is it a coincidence that Rory Smith has continually found himself on Cup contending, deep into the post-season teams in both the National Lacrosse League and Western Lacrosse Association since going pro?

Discuss amongst yourselves, but the results don’t lie, Smith an impact shutdown defender with the Orlando Titans and New Westminster Salmonbellies over the past couple seasons, going to the Champion’s Cup final two winters ago (the East Final last year and in 2008) and the past two Mann Cups as well.

While still being labelled as simply an “enforcer” by many, Smith has quietly turned into a solid stay at home, smash mouth, pro defensive pain in the ass, a guy that can obviously handle himself when the gear hits the floor, but an asset while the clock is ticking too.

Below, check out what Smith has to say about The Royal City, who he’d have watching his back against regular dance partners Geoff Snider and Paul Dawson, and how Jordan Hall defies gravity, in our latest 20Q.

LACROSSE

Favourite NLL city and summertime city to play in?
My favourite NLL city to date is New York because that is where I started my NLL career. The night life is pretty incredible and memorable. New Westminster is the greatest place to play summer lacrosse. The classic wooden floor, the storied history, and the family oriented mentality all make New West a very special place to play lacrosse. Playing summer lacrosse in New West is probably one of the best decisions I have made related to my lacrosse career.

Philadelphia's Chopper and Rory Smith have had some good talks over the years. (Photo: Larry Palumbo)

Weirdest fan interaction?
Every time I’m in the penalty box in Philadelphia, Chopper, a pretty unique Philadelphia fan, converses with me. He and I have had some very intellectual conversations over the years.

Your All-You Team? Best keeper, x2 defenders/transition and x3 forwards you’ve played alongside over your entire career?
I’d have Matt Vinc in goal. He’s bailed me out a number times over the last three years. On offense Casey Powell, Jordan Hall and Ilija Gajic. Patrick Merrill would be the defensive specialist. My enforcer would be none other than Nick McLaughlin. He is by far the toughest guy I’ve ever fought and had the pleasure to play with.

Check out Rory Smith and Nick McLaughlin going buckets in their OLA Jr. B days below…

Retired pro you would vote into the NLL Hall of Fame that isn’t currently in there?
Chris Gill. He’s a living legend.

Best and Worst playoff beard you’ve ever seen?
Nenad Gajic has by far the best beard in the NLL. The worst is without a doubt Jordan Hall’s. His mustache curled upwards and defied gravity.

Cliff Smith and Nenad Gajic look on as the city of Peterborough celebrates the Lakers' Mann Cup win at the Memorial Centre. (Photo: New Westminster Salmonbellies)

Toughest loss to take in your career?
The Mann Cup loss this year was very disappointing.

You and Geoff Snider breakup Fatal Attraction after Snider hooks up with Paul Dawson during their short time together in Calgary, now known as the The Wild Roses (Alberta’s provincial flower and also Dawson used to make up half of the partnership of The Promiscuous Roses with Nick Rose). Who do you start a new tag up with to face Snider and Dawson in the wrasslin’ ring? And what’s your tag-team name?
Either one of my brothers Brendan or Reilly would be a perfect fit. They would go to the ends of world for me. They are both undefeated in their lacrosse careers with a couple vicious TKO’s. Our team name would be The Mimico Maulers.

Your nickname and the best nickname you’ve ever heard?
I’ve had several over my three year NLL career. The one that seemed to stick in Orlando was BFK (Baby Face Killer). The best nickname I’ve ever heard has got to be my former teammate with the Titans, Matt “The California Dream” Alrich.

A chicken parm and one of these and it's gametime for Rory.

What coach gave the best locker room speech you’ve heard? Who and what game was it?
Over the last year I’ve been lucky enough to be part of teams where there were many unforgettable speeches. Pat Merrill and Casey Powell had some pretty inspirational speeches during our 2010 season. Bob Salt had several this summer. One of Bob’s pre-practice speeches was legendary.

You’re a potential new NLL owner. What city do you setup shop in and whats your teams name?
Vancouver is in a desperate need of an NLL franchise. They’d be called the Vancouver Millionaires .

If you could pick just one pre-game meal to have for the rest of your career, what would it be?
Chicken parm and a tall glass of chocolate milk.

One word to describe your game?
Aggression